If there is one thing that everyone wants but no one should assume that they get, it’s a promotion. We all want to do well in our careers and go places, but a promotion isn't like the bonus check you get at the end of the year. It’s actually something you have to really work for. Not that you didn't work for your bonus, but a bonus is a given based on your performance where a promotion is something you grow into with years of practice, study and gained skills. Many employees simply do not want to hand out promotions to just anyone, and in some cases, you really have to make your case for a promotion to stick. Most employers will wait for their staff to ask for a promotion and even then, it’s up to you to put your case across to prove you deserve the promotion in the first place.
Before you can do that, you have to know your worth and know why you are in the right line for a promotion in the first place. You have to aspire to do better, so whether you want to take on a degree to grow your skills, or you work your way through the business to become the Medical Health Service Manager of the business you work for, there has to be some work for it. Your aspirations mean that you want to reach as high as you can and get everything from your business before you move onto the next challenge. So, how can you get that promotion that you know you’re worth without begging? Let’s take a look!
Get Your Homework Done
Before you ask for a promotion, you need to do some research. Is the position even available? Is there somewhere for you to grow once you get there or are you going to reach your ceiling? You need to know that you are a good fit for the next step, and that means having a game plan. You need to prepare and get ahead of the competition around you, and your preparation shows you are intelligent and mature. If you’ve done your research, it will be favorable with your boss, too.
Put A Case Together
If you really want to get in front of your bosses and ask for a promotion, you need to have a case. You cannot just randomly ask for a promotion - you have to prove that you’re worth it. That’s why you have to put a case together so that you can readily answer the question as to why you’re worth this promotion. Make a list of what you’ve accomplished and the changes that you hope to make when you get into the right position. Highlight your talents and you can then prove that you know what you’re doing!
Prove You’re A Leader
If you haven't gathered by now, a lot of getting a promotion is showing that you deserve it. Proving yourself is a must, but you need to do it before you get to that meeting stage. So, you need to get in there and show your leadership qualities. You need to have a strong work ethic and get along with everyone and this can help you to build your case for your boss. Take up the leadership baton with ease and make it known that you are constantly trying.
Show That You Can Do It All
You need to go above and beyond in your role and show that you can do it all. If you go around doing only what is necessary, you’re going to be limited when it comes to your boss seeing how good you are. Of course, it doesn't mean that you should take on everything, but it does mean that you can show that you are able to do it all if you need to!
Be Cool - Just Relax
If you’re positive about the chance of a promotion, you’re going to keep your cool and show that you are able to retain a positive demeanor. Cement your position with the right attitude and you can gain the respect of your superiors. Meet your deadlines and get ahead with your projects. Ask the right questions and you’ll be in the best position for promotion.
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Time It Right
If you approach your employer when they’re in a bad mood, or it’s been a bad day for sales, you need to hang back and don't barrel in there. You need to acknowledge that this is a difficult conversation to have but it’s an easy moment if you time it right. Meet after a work review where you are asked about your expectations for the future. It’s a good time to approach your goals, and it puts you in the best position to ask for a step up!
Schedule A Meeting
Asking for a meeting is a big deal, and it should be done in a way that explains that you want to discuss your future. You want to write an official email to your manager to request a meeting with them, asking for the best time to meet and chat about the future. No matter what, you need to consider that you want to discuss the topics of performance and promotion. When you do this, you can help them to prepare for a conversation that requires adequate warning.
Prepare Well
Before your big meeting, get a great night of sleep. You need to make sure that you bring all evidence that you deserve this promotion you’re asking for to the meeting. You need to write down your strengths and weaknesses and present these to your boss. Add any research you’ve undertaken and how you plan to do better in your new role. Don’t be afraid to make a separate file for your boss so that they can take this away with them, too.
Fake It Til You Make It
Confident? No, most people aren’t confident going into this type of meeting. Confidence is your key to success, though, and without it you don't get very far. You need to believe in yourself, and you need to have a good attitude if you want to get the outcome you really want from your meeting. Being calm and collected in the meeting will help you to make the right impression. You must be as professional and efficient as possible, but your attitude with your boss will help you to get the right outcome. You want this promotion, and all of this matters and will help you to get what you want.
Always Follow Up
You may not get offered a promotion on the spot, but that doesn't mean that you won’t get it. Follow up with your boss and ask them the outcome of the meeting if you don't hear within a day or two. Don't be too upset if it’s a no, though; you need to know why you are passed over and how you can improve. Then, work on those improvements and try again next year. Work on yourself; go back to school and learn some new things for that job you want the most. Promotions get you places, and you can get there one day if not right now!
A promotion could be what you want, but you need to fight for it! Prove that you’re happy to show off and you will get somewhere with your future. Promotions are there for the taking if you know how to work for it. Try the tips above and see if they work for you.